Tag Archives: 2010s

August 17, 2010 – The Toy Story Playland Area Opens in Disneyland Paris

“Thanks to the creative minds of Pixar Studios and our Disney Imagineers, Guests of all ages can now feel what it’s like to be shrunk to the size of a toy and to become literally part of the Toy Story universe in Andy’s backyard.”

On August 17, 2010, the Toy Story Playland area opened in the Walt Disney Studios Park of Disneyland Paris. Based on the Toy Story franchise, the area contains three main attractions: Toy Story Parachute Drop, Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, and RC Racer. These attractions give guests the impression that they have shrunk down to the size of a toy and are on adventures with Buzz and Woody. A similar area opened in Hong Kong Disneyland and is called Toy Story Land.

On August 12, 2012, the Princess Fantasy Faire attraction in Disneyland closed. Open since October 6, 2006, the area provided guests with a chance to meet the Disney princesses, and was located right next to Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Guests were also able to participate in an interactive storytelling experience with a princess, and learn how to be a true princess or a knight in a coronation ceremony. The area was replaced in March 2013 with the Fantasy Faire, which gave guests more ease in meeting the princesses and watching a show.

“For these six friends, anything is possible when you follow your dreams.”

On August 10, 2010, the Chinese version of the hit Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical, entitled High School Musical: China, was released. Set in an international college in Shanghai, the film follows six students as they compete for a cash prize in an inter-school singing competition. The film was a joint production between Disney, Shanghai Media Group, and Huayi Bros. It starred Zhang Junning, Liu Yanchen, Ma Zihan, Gu Xuan, and Yuan Chengjie.

On August 9, 2015, after operating for almost twenty years, the Walt Disney World Speedway closed. Located in a corner near Magic Kingdom Park, the racetrack was used for speed racing events, including a Formula Ford 2000 support race; the track was also used for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which gave guests the chance to sit behind the wheel of a stock car and race down the track. The track has since been demolished to make way for transportation upgrades for Magic Kingdom Park guests.

August 3, 2012 – The Special Studio DC: Almost Live Premieres on Disney Channel

“Dylan, Cole, take five. Pepe, Rizzo, take a hike!”

On August 3, 2012, the special variety show Studio DC: Almost Live premiered on Disney Channel. The special featured The Muppets alongside a variety of Disney Channel stars, including stars of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Jokes were interspersed throughout the program referencing other Disney Channel shows and Muppet ventures. A second special premiered on October 5, 2008; neither episode has been released on home video in the United States.

“…have fun with it, don’t let the nerves get to you, like I’m nervous right now.”

On August 12, 2012, the newest American Idol Phillip Phillips surprised guests by visiting the American Idol Experience attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. Phillips was joined by a string of season 13 contestants, including Hollie Cavannaugh, Jessica Sanchez, and Joshua Ladet. Phillips also took pictures outside the attraction with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

On July 27, 2014, the Magic Kingdom Park store The Yankee Trader closed its doors. Located in Liberty Square, the store specialized in supplies for the kitchen, including pot holders, Disney character-shaped pasta, and glassware. The store was replaced by Memento Mori, a shop dedicated to the nearby attraction The Haunted Mansion.